A recent major event included a mountain biking (MTB) base where groups of about six Scouts with Leader and Rover Scout support partook in activity rotations. On one of the rotations, a Scout presented with asthma type symptoms and received initial first aid from the Rover Scout present. There was no main first aid kit on the base and so the activity base was reliant on the central first aid base back at camp. The personal first aid kits carried by the activity leaders did not include a reliever puffer.

The incident occurred on the most isolated part of the MTB course and was not accessible by normal vehicle. Fortunately, there was a 4WD buggy at the activity that was able to access the area with the first aider onboard. 

The activity support leaders had mobile phones, but not a list of key numbers (eg. the designated first aid support). 

The medical information provided through Operoo / C4 did not include the Scouts’ previous medical history as it had been many years since it had been an issue.

This is not uncommon especially if there is a belief that the person had “grown out of it”.  It was also noted that there was no process to provide information from Operoo / C4 to activity leaders.

Emergency Preparedness

An emergency plan is a written set of instructions that outlines what leaders and others at the activity or major event should do in an emergency. An emergency plan must provide for the following:

·        Emergency procedures, including:

-   an effective response to an emergency including emergency vehicle access

-   evacuation procedures

-   notifying emergency service organisations at the earliest opportunity

-   medical treatment and assistance, and

-   effective communication between the person authorised to coordinate the emergency response and all people at the activity or event.

·        Testing of the emergency procedures - including the frequency of testing, and

·        Information, training and instruction to relevant persons in relation to implementing the emergency procedures.

The following guide from Safe Work Australia provides further information; Emergency Plan Factsheet.

First aiders providing medication

Queensland Health has provided a Factsheet – current as at September 2021 related to the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 and medicine that can be provided by a Trained First Aider.

Medication commonly used by a First Aider includes reliever puffers for asthma and auto-injectors (epi-pen) for anaphylaxis. These may only be used in line with the first aider's training and follow-up first aid actions include:

·         Asthma First Aid – Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if

o   the casualty is not breathing,

o   the casualty suddenly becomes worse or is not improving,

o   the casualty is having an asthma attack and a reliever is not available or

o   you are unsure if it is asthma.

·         Anaphylaxis First Aid – Call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Administering paracetamol

In most cases, parents or caregivers provide permission for Scouts Qld to administer paracetamol whilst on a Scouting activity. To administer these drugs, the leader does not need to be a first aider, but must have:

·         Assessed the person – is the reason not to provide paracetamol such as a head injury or do they require additional first aid such as hydration.

·         Right Person – Confirm the person including name and date of birth with the permission from the parent or caregiver (this may be prior to the activity through Operoo).

·         Right Medication – paracetamol appropriate for the age of the person.

·         Right Dose – Ensure the dose is based on the age of the person provided by the pharmaceutical instructions.

·         Right Time - ensure specified time interval has passed.

Key Learnings:

·         Ensure an emergency plan is prepared suitable for the activity or event.

·         Determine access to first aid personnel and equipment and proximity to the activity.

·         At major events, consider an activity first aid kit located at the bases.

·         Consider emergency access to the area.

·         Medical information to be provided to activity leaders and field supervisors.

·         If first aid support is not readily available, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.